The 2019 Indian elections are nearing. It has been a much-awaited event for the last few months. As an NRI citizen, I am very curious about NRI voting rights. This article came up from my search of – How do I vote if I am living outside India.
Thankfully, the Lok Sabha has passed a bill enabling Proxy Votes.
Proxy Votes / NRI Voting
As an NRI, you can still participate in these general elections! Your vote does and will count.
Unfortunately, there is no simple e-voting system where you can cast it online or through the post. But, if you are registered for NRI voting, you can still make your voice heard. The solution is proxy votes. It would still need someone to vote on your behalf, but it is much better than no solution at all. You can bypass location-based restrictions by using proxy servers.
NRI Voting: The Process
Step 1: Register to Vote
Whether you are already registered or a fresh registration, you need to fill Form 6A at this link:
- Click on the marked form above. You will be taken to the form to fill online.
Step 2: Documents Required
- Passport size photo (you will need to upload this online)
- Valid visa or residence permit (photograph to be uploaded on the above link)
- Passport pages (First and last pages showing your photograph and address)
- It will be useful to have your old voter ID if you have any. If you don’t you can register anew in the same form
- You will need dates of departure from the country (usually found in your passport)
Step 3: Verification Process
- This process happens offline. Your involvement in this process of NRI voting is limited. Verification takes place at your residence. This verification can be confirmed by any relative in that address.
- If no one is available at your address for this verification, these documents are sent to the concerned Indian Mission.
- The decision of this verification process will be updated in your portal, sent to email and phone via SMS
Step 4: Voting
The person who you have recommended for a proxy vote can go to the local election booth. They can perform the NRI voting on your behalf. The names of NRI/Overseas voters will be on the last page of the electoral register for that constituency.
For more details and clarification, help is available at https://ecisveep.nic.in/voters/overseas-voters/